H.R. 1948 would expand the conditions of employment that are subject to collective bargaining for certain employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Under current law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has broad authority to regulate the hours and conditions of employment for physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, chiropractors, registered nurses, physician assistants, and dental assistants employed by VHA. Those employees are prohibited from collectively bargaining over matters pertaining to professional conduct or competence, peer review, and compensation. The bill would remove those restrictions.
